Then Agrippa said unto Paul, Thou art permitted to speak for thyself. Then Paul stretched forth the hand, and answered for himself:[212] (2) I think myself happy, king Agrippa, because I shall answer for myself this day before thee touching all the things whereof I am accused of the Jews:
We shall enter at once into an apprehension of Paul's design in this defense, if we consider the frivolous and false charges, which indirectly the Jews had brought against him. A pestilent fellow, and a mover of sedition, the Orator Tertullus would have insinuated Paul was, by way of bringing him under the Governor's displeasure, as an enemy to Caesar; but the conduct of the Apostle was too peaceable, and orderly, to suffer by such accusations. Paul, therefore, very wisely, entered not into the smallest defense of his conduct, in this department, but confined himself, to what referred to his attachment to the cause of Christ. That he had honored the temple, instead of prophaning it; was fulfilling the law, instead of breaking it; and giving the highest glory to God, instead of blaspheming God; the Apostle would fully prove, by shewing, that in preaching Christ all these things were included. Paul, therefore, enters with delight upon his defense, waves his hand, as was the custom of public speakers in those days to do, by way of calling attention, professeth himself happy in the opportunity afforded him, and begs in particular the patient indulgence of Agrippa, that he might go through the short, but interesting subject, which would explain the whole of his conduct, and fully prove his innocency.